Aussieflyer

Yes, but $40pp additional for a 3 course meal is still within the ball park for what we pay here. People like different things and are prepared to pay or not for some things. I for one would never consider spending money in the casino or paying for photos whereas lots of others see these as fun things.

Felt the buffet was quite lacking when we were on - quality and choice just seemed below expected. We didn't eat there much, MDR was fine, just not wow. Like to do specialist restaurants as the food is often well above other onboard venues and in the scheme of things not a huge additional charge.

We went to both Bayou and Sabatini's on our recent 7 day QLD cruise - and TBH thought Bayou was better (noting of course it was more expensive),

They took new photos but we could leave glasses on - they used mine but my travelling companion had her old one still (the selfie from home) - who knows the mysteries of Princess😁

Thanks both Aus Traveller and OzKiwiJJ - I had a lingering thought that I had read the drink 'up to' amount had been reduced but pleased it is still $16. The cruise fare was showing in $A just not this bit - weird but then the Princess website can be a beast unto itself at times.

Can I just clarify - the Plus package I had on Coral last week included drinks up to $16 but when looking at some new cruises it is saying up to $12 (and when looking at my Crooners menu on the phone there is basically nothing in this range). Is this an error on the Princess site and they have quoted the $US or have the 'up to' prices declined? I am assuming the former.

I cancelled a couple and rebooked for different days - money was refunded to CC within a few days.

I didn't download the app to my iPad but got the hang of swapping devices by typing in the medallion net URL on the iPad and then connect this device - would automatically drop the phone. I am on Princess again in November so will probably load the app on the iPad this time as it would be easier I think.

The cruise director said there were only going to be about 500 or so on board for the leg but sounded rather low. And yes, they were to close the Universe Lounge and have crew activities there.

We had most of our pre-dinner drinks in Crooners. My friend likes sweet drinks only so a few times we asked the waiter to surprise us - and she was not disappointed. She enjoyed the Milky Way and also the Baileys Raspberry. On the last night they made her a Grasshopper! I prefer a bit less sweetness so the Sidecar was a good choice and also the Manhattan and Chairman of the Board. We did try quite a few over the week. LOL

Whilst that of course is your choice, the figures for deaths from COVID indicate that the countries with the lowest number per capita are Singapore, South Korea and Japan. These are countries with a strong mask presence either like Singapore with masks indoors mandated or Japan where mask wearing is common. Vaccination does not provide immunity and many people (me included) with 4 vaccinations have come down with COVID. Although not seriously ill, it certainly was not a walk in the park as they say and I was in bed for a few days, with lingering cough and fatigue for several weeks. Also, there would be immunocompromised passengers on board probably (we saw several people who looked like they were just finished chemo) and mask wearing in my opinion is a responsible way to help to protect them. I have had no issues with wearing a mask onboard (or on a plane) and I do wear one in shopping centres and other places where there are a lot of people.

That is interesting to read, as both Bayou and Sabatini's certainly weren't anywhere near full when we were on last week. Maybe the restriction in numbers is to spread out tables/diners more.

Pity - we found the food quite acceptable last week. There is always a speciality restaurant if you don't like the offering in the MDR. We did both Bayou and Sabatini's - both were very good. I was not keen on the buffet as I thought it was quite limited and only popped up there for dinner once. MDR was fine though nothing of a wow factor - certainly the chicken we had was good though.

Interesting - they only asked this once - on the first night - after that always just took us to a table for two. We were opposite and didn't want to share a table and had booked on the app beforehand. Guess it depends on who is on the door.

Excellent news for them.

A lot of standing around as they are keen for you to get off the ship to allow them to prepare for the new pax.Our group at 9am was the last group although there were people still on board. We looked at a private transfer but didn't get round to organising it and had booked a debarkation tour to show my friend a bit of Brisbane - sadly that was cancelled.

Now you mention it I think it was Airlie Beach.

The reef excursion used Quicksilver and out to their pontoon at Agincourt Reef - maybe check their website. I didn’t snorkel so can’t comment on that. There was also an excursion to the Low Isles which is soft coral and from what I remember is lovely. we had to shuttle in to Port Douglas the join the regular Quicksilver day trip - it did make it a long day. I remember QM2 had the excursion pick up direct from the ship though not Port D just can’t remember where.

The cruise director mentioned there were only 2 current cases on board. He did make quips about making the news…..again for different things.

No easy way to get to airport from BICT - have to go up and around so even though airport is close as the crow flies it’s a pain to get there. I used app quite a bit to check things but did not use for ordering food etc. it did hang quite a few times so the technology doesn’t seem to be quite there yet. Only way out was to tun off phone. we frequented Crooners for pre dinner drinks - Sometimes it was really busy but always did get a seat. International Cafe was often full esp on sea days and people seemed to settle in. The buffet was its usual bun fight at breakfast and at lunch but generally quieter if you went outside peak - about 2pm and after the late show.

I did it onboard at excursions desk as they had canceled the tour we originally booked. But yes, can do on the app or can also just tick the box on the disembarkation questionnaire that comes round. Transfer disembarkation was at 9am - latest group off. By the time you collect luggage etc maybe 45 mins to get from on board to airport.

And sadly we are not. At the airport for flight home now. As my friend hadn’t been to Brisbane before we booked a disembarkation tour just for her to get a bit of an idea. This was canceled as not enough takers. We took the ship airport transfer which at $40 seemed somewhat expensive but as we left we saw the taxi queue snaking all the was back to the entry and only one taxi to be seen. They really need to do something g about the transport options for the new port.

And we have had lovely hot weather with hardly any wind - hope I didn’t just jinx myself.

Yes I remembered you saying that and so did do a log off and log on at the beginning. The problem is I have set iPad up for internet and have to remember it’s only one device at a time. I did notice quite a few maskless or under noses numbers on the water shuttle into Port Douglas yesterday. There was quite a large group who all seemed to be not wearing masks. And of course no masks on way out to reef as not required by Quicksilver. I have to remember masks are not required on the outside decks as I tend to get a bit harumphy but forget not required. In the buffet I did see a pax reminded by a crew member. Obligatory stop at Willis Is - 15 mins - to meet international waters requirement. On our way south again now. A couple of lovely humpback whales on the way out to the reef yesterday and also some turtles while there so good sightings.

Onboard as well at the moment. A few different experiences from the OP. Yes, have seen some under the nose masks but mist people we have seen have been compliant. Think only one person seen in left not wearing properly. Main area where not enforced seems to be theatre or other Sip and Cover bars. The fire was very small from what I have heard - handled quickly. Have not seen a lot of drunk pax though really not looking for them and OP might be frequenting different places to us and seeing issues. Medallion net drives me nuts as have to change between phone and iPad for internet depending on what I want to do. Tried to check dinner booking on the App this morning and it told me “no an do, have to have paid for cruise in full” LOL. App just seems quite flakey.